Overview

NFQ Level 8, Major Award

The Higher Diploma in Midwifery is a full-time programme running for 18 months from the date of first registration for the programme. The programme will be offered on a continuous basis with students commencing the programme in either September or March. Students will receive an 18 month contract of employment with the Cork University Maternity Hospital. The Higher Diploma will comply with the professional requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and the EU directives for registration as a midwife. Registered midwives who complete the programme will be eligible for midwifery registration in another EU Member State when they have completed one further year of clinical practice

In Year 1, students take taught modules to the value of 40 credits (Part A) and a practice module to the value of 10 credits (Part B). In Year 2, students take taught modules to the value of 30 credits (Part A) and a practice module to the value of 10 credits (Part B).

Attendance

Full attendance is required at all scheduled teaching activities in all modules, including at clinical placement. Where this does not occur, students will be expected to satisfactorily explain and support with evidence (e.g. medical illness certificates, explanation of other mitigating circumstances causing non-attendance) all absences and this must be considered acceptable by the relevant module coordinator(s) and Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Unavoidable planned absence must be discussed and agreed with each module coordinator(s) of affected module(s) in advance. Each situation will be assessed on an individual basis. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in a student being deemed not to have fulfilled the requirements for entry to the subsequent examination. These regulations apply also to students who are studying for the qualifications of some other regulatory body. The Deputy President and Registrar, UCC will certify whether or not the student's attendance has been satisfactory on the basis of recommendations from Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery.

Programme Requirements

For information about modules, module choice, options and credit weightings, please go to Programme Requirements. 

Programme Requirements

Module List

Code	Title	Credits
Students take 90 credits as follows:
Year 1
Students take taught modules to the value of 40 credits in Part A and a practice module to the value of 10 credits in Part B:
Core Modules
Part A
NU5057	Professionalism for Midwifery Practice	5
NU5058	Health Promotion for Midwifery Practice	5
NU5073	Evidence Based Midwifery Practice	5
NU5093	Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Neonate 1	10
NU5095	Supporting Mothers during Pregnancy and Parenthood	10
SS5806	Social Policy and Midwifery Practice	5
Part B
NU5088	Midwifery Practice I	10
Year 2
Students take taught modules to the value of 30 credits in Part A and a practice module to the value of 10 credits in Part B:
Core Modules
Part A
NU5043	Ethics for Midwives	5
NU5059	Childbirth and the Neonate II	10
NU5096	Normal Childbirth: Issues and Debates	5
NU6005	Evidence Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals	10
Part B
Core Modules
NU5089	Midwifery Practice II	10
Total Credits		90

Programme Learning Outcomes

Programme Learning Outcomes for Higher Diploma in Midwifery (NFQ Level 8, Major Award)

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Actively fulfil a philosophy of midwifery and a commitment to high standards of professional practice within the scope of midwifery practice and the health care services;
  
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills about pregnancy and childbirth and the newborn and provide safe and effective antenatal, childbirth and postnatal care for women and their families;
  
• Conceptualise the process of the childbirth cycle utilising the contribution of biological and social sciences;
  
• Establish and maintain effective caring and interpersonal relationships with women and articulate and represent the needs of individual women, babies and families while supporting shared decision-making throughout the woman's childbirth experience;
  
• Effectively coordinate, organise and manage midwifery care on own initiative and in consultation with the multidisciplinary team;
  
• Proactively effect change in response to women's needs and preferences that will benefit mothers and babies locally, nationally and internationally;
  
• Promote the concepts and politics of normal birth;
  
• Critically appraise and evaluate current research evidence and best practice for midwifery and its implications for practice in a variety of settings;
  
• Facilitate lifelong learning for self and others to enhance competent, flexible and responsive midwifery practice.